Marc Veasey: “Today I rise to take a stand against Governor Abbott of Texas and his decision to end our refugee resettlement in my…”

“Today I rise to take a stand against Governor Abbott of Texas and his decision to end our refugee resettlement in my home State of Texas. This decision is going to welcome xenophobia and bigotry and is contrary to the values that we hold dear in Texas. Texas, as some of you may or may not know, has historically led our Nation in refugee resettlement. Our State has always opened its doors to people in need and welcomed refugees with open arms to provide an opportunity for refugees to contribute to the general common good of all Texans. Texas has now become the first State--I say that with shame--to bar resettlement of those fleeing violence and religious persecution. This isn't what we stand for in Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Governor to look at Tarrant County, which is the county that I live in, and the decision that they made to continue taking refugees. As of today, the courts have stayed this heinous order. This decision still sets a dangerous precedent. I urge him to reverse his decision and show the rest of the Nation that Texas stands for inclusion, and let these churches--evangelical churches, liberal churches, Black churches, White churches--work together on these refugee programs. Let's let them continue to work together for the greater good of the country. ____________________”